Who says the Lions don't listen to fans? A few days ago, we begged and pleaded with the Lions to hire Jim Schwartz. Late yesterday afternoon came news they had done just that.

So for the second time since we started this blog, we would like to give ourselves a slow clap (feel free to join in) for giving sound advice to Detroit sports figures that was actually listened to.

While I am obviously excited about Schwartz' hiring, I am trying to temper that enthusiasm, as I have a tendency to get a little too excited about new coaches. But while my excitement over Michael Curry was strictly because of style and swag purposes (just look at his suits), Schwartz actually has a track record as a coordinator of one of the best defenses in the league.

But the best part of the Schwartz hiring could be the personnel he is able to attract.

After the season, we did a two-partseries with moves that would remake the Lions roster into a competitive one.

Well, with Schwartz and his connection to a couple Titans' free agents, a roster makeover could be even faster.

Albert Haynesworth, had he not missed a few games due to injury, may have been Defensive Player of the Year. Tennessee used their franchise tag on him last year, but apparently made an agreement with him that if he made the Pro Bowl, they would not use their franchise tag on him again, making him a free agent. He made the Pro Bowl. Might he be interested in playing for his former defensive coordinator on a team with cap room to give him the long-term extension and signing bonus he is looking for?

The Titans also have a problem at quarterback. They have said they are still committed to Vince Young. Kerry Collins led them to the playoffs. Collins, a free agent, said he will only be back as a starter. If the Titans decide Young is their guy, would Collins head to Detroit as a starter for a coach he is familiar with? And Calvin Johnson has to be a draw for any quarterback, right?

Any doubts that Haynesworth immediately turns the defensive line from a major weakness to a major strength and, through his double-team commanding presence, takes pressure off the linebackers and secondary?

If they convince Collins to be their starter, they could use the top pick on a left tackle and fill some other holes on their roster with the rest of the draft. They could even take a quarterback with their additional first rounder or their second rounder.

Longshot, you say? Maybe. But, if the moves were to happen, any reason to believe the 2009 Detroit Lions won't make the playoffs?